A large, muscular breed, the Komondor is mostly known for its unusually dense, protective coat of heavy white cords (which make him look like a giant mop!) that form naturally as the breed matures in age. The coat serves to cover vulnerable body parts in case of attack, helps him blend in with his flock and protects him from weather extremes. While he has been a working dog in Hungary for ten centuries, he is also found in the show and obedience rings in the United States

Did You Know?

THE KOMONDOR IS ONE OF THREE BREEDS OF WORKING DOG NATIVE FOR TEN CENTURIES TO THE SHEEP AND CATTLE COUNTRIES OF HUNGARY.

THE KOMONDOR IS CHIEF OF THE HERDSMEN DOGS, BUT NOT OFTEN UTILIZED FOR ROUNDING UP THE HERDS; MERELY ACCOMPANIES THE FLOCKS AND HERDS IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES, ACTING AS MORE OF A PROTECTOR THAN HERDER.

DESCENDED FROM TIBETAN DOGS, THE KOMONDOR WAS BROUGHT TO HUNGARY A THOUSAND YEARS AGO BY NOMADIC MAGYARS.

THE KOMONDOR IS AN ALMOST DIRECT DESCENDENT OF THE AFTSCHARKA, WHICH THE HUNS FOUND ON THE SOUTHERN STEPPES WHEN THEY PASSED THROUGH RUSSIAN.

FAILURE OF THE COAT TO CORD BY TWO YEARS OF AGE IS A DISQUALIFICATION IN THE KOMONDOR BREED.

THE PLURAL OF KOMONDOR IS KOMONDOROK.

Of the three breeds of working dog native for ten centuries to the sheep and cattle countries of Hungary, there seems little doubt that the king of them all is the Komondor.

Known for its dignity, strength and courage, the Komondor is generally reserved and serious with strangers but demonstrative with those he loves. Owners should be willing to provide daily exercise and obedience training. Early socialization for puppies is critical, especially to any unusual situations the dog will encounter later in life. This is important in reducing the number of situations that might trigger an unexpected protective response.

Low-set, strong and sturdily built, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gives an impression of substance in a small space. He is one of the most agreeable small house dogs, as well as an avid competitor in many dog sports, including conformation, herding and obedience. The Pembroke Corgi is a separate breed from the Cardigan Corgi, possessing a shorter body and straighter, lighter boned legs. His ears are pointed at the tip and stand erect, and he has a short tail. The coat can be red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings.

Did You Know?

THE PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI IS THE YOUNGER OF THE TWO CORGI BREEDS AND IS A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT BREED FROM THE CARDIGAN.

THE PEMBROKE IS THE MORE POPULAR OF THE TWO CORGIS.

THE PEMBROKE HAS IN ITS ANCESTRY THE KEESHOND, SCHIPPERKE, POMERANIAN, SAMOYED, CHOW-CHOW, NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND, AND FINNISH SPITZ; IT HAS LITTLE OR NOTHING OF DACHSHUND CHARACTERISTICS LIKE THE CARDIGAN.

THE PEMBROKE, THOUGH THE YOUNGER BREED, CAN TRACE ITS ORIGIN TO 1107 AD.

THE DIRECT ANCESTORS OF THE PEMBROKE WERE BROUGHT ACROSS THE CHANNEL BY THE FLEMISH WEAVERS WHO HAD BEEN INDUCED BY HENRY I OF ENGLAND TO TAKE UP THEIR ABODE IN WALES.

​Pembrokes are very smart, sensitive dogs who respond well to training and mental challenges. As herding dogs bred to move cattle from one place to another, they are fearless, independent workers. A Pembroke without a job will often assign himself work, like herding children or his fellow dogs. They make excellent watchdogs, with acute senses and a “big dog” bark. Families who can meet the Pembroke’s need for activity and togetherness will never have a more loyal, loving pet.

The largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute possesses great strength and endurance. He is not designed to race, but rather to carry large loads over long distances. Today, many Malamutes are family pets, but are highly athletic and still capable of enjoying sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging and swimming with their owners. The Malamute coat is thick and coarse, with a plumed tail carried over the back. The coat usually ranges in color from light gray to black or from sable to red. Face markings, including a cap on the head and a bar/mask on the face are often distinguishing features.

Did You Know?

NAMED AFTER THE NATIVE INNUIT TRIBE CALLED MAHLEMUTS, WHO SETTLED ALONG THE SHORES OF KOTZEBUE SOUND IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF ALASKA.

THE MALAMUTE IS THE NATIVE ALASKAN ARCTIC BREED, COUSIN TO THE SAMOYED OF RUSSIA, SIBERIAN HUSKY, AND THE ESKIMO DOGS OF GREENLAND AND LABRADOR.

IN 1933, SOME MALAMUTES WERE SELECTED TO AID ADM. RICHARD BYRD WITH HIS ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

MALAMUTES TYPICALLY DON’T BARK MUCH, BUT THEY ARE VOCAL AND WILL “TALK.” THEY ALSO WILL HOW. SIRENS WILL OFTEN SET THEM OFF, ALTHOUGH HUMANS CAN OFTEN PERSUADE THEM TO SING AS WELL. MALAMUTES WHO ARE LONELY OR BORED WILL OFTEN HOWL.

THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE WAS ONE OF THE FOUR PURE-BRED DOGS FEATURED ON THE AKC CENTENNIAL STAMPS ISSUED IN 1984 BY THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE. THE BREED HAS APPEARED ON STAMPS IN AT LEAST 14 COUNTRIES.

THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE BECAME THE OFFICIAL STATE DOG OF ALASKA IN 2010, THANKS TO A CAMPAIGN STARTED BY A GROUP OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

A very strong dog built for heavy work, the big guy craves regular exercise. They need a daily exercise and a good-sized fenced enclosure. As a puppy, he is affectionate and full of life. Chewing is one of his bad habits; therefore, crate training is recommended when you are unable to supervise him indoors. He may argue about leash-breaking, but he is highly intelligent and will learn quickly, enjoying the camaraderie and exercise from daily walks. He must learn to relinquish his food and toys on command, but these lessons must be accomplished with fairness and patience. As an adult, he is majestic and dignified, strong-willed and self-confident. You may find him to be more reserved with strangers. The Malamute loves children but, like all large dogs, should be supervised during interaction. He is unsuitable for guard work, although his size alone will discourage intruders. It is not unusual for a Malamute to become intolerant of other dogs of the same sex; therefore, caution must be exercised when introducing him to other canines, regardless of their size. The Malamute cannot be allowed to grow up lacking controlled socialization with humans or animals, or he may become dominant over people he doesn’t respect and aggressive with other dogs and cats. A sensible combination of love and discipline will result in a devoted, trustworthy companion.

Without peer as a cattle herder, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is ready and willing to work all day. Their agility, strength, and courageousness allow them to easily control and move cattle in both open and confined spaces. Stubborn cows don’t discourage this dog – they just become more determined to get the job done! The breed can be blue or red (can be in mottled or speckled pattern), with or without black, blue or tan markings.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG HAS BEEN A HUGE HELP TO THE BEEF INDUSTRY OF AUSTRALIA.

THE AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG WAS FIRST KNOWN AS THE AUSTRALIAN HEELER, ALTHOUGH IT IS STILL CALLED THE BLUE OR QUEENSLAND HEELER TODAY.

THE AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG WAS ACCEPTED BY THE AKC IN 1980 AND WAS SHOWN IN THE WORKING GROUP AFTER A BRIEF PERIOD IN THE MISCELLANEOUS CLASS

Australians owe a great debt to all the persons involved in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog, for without it the beef industry of Australia would undoubtedly have had great difficulty in developing into the important industry that it has become.

In 1840, George Elliott, in Queensland, was experimenting with Dingo-blue merle Collie crosses. Elliott’s dogs produced some excellent workers. Cattle men were impressed with the working ability of these dogs, and purchased pups from them as they became available. Two brothers, Jack and Harry Bagust, of Canterbury in Sydney, purchased some of these dogs and set about improving on them. Their first step was to cross a bitch with a fine imported Dalmatian dog. This cross changed the merle to red or blue speckle.

The Weimaraner is a large dog that was originally bred for hunting in the early 19th century. Early Weimaraners were used by royalty for hunting large game such as boar, bear, and deer. As the popularity of large game hunting began to decline, Weimaraners were used for hunting smaller animals like fowl, rabbits, and foxes.

The Weimaraner is an all-purpose gun dog. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Karl August, whose court, based in the city of Weimar (now in the state of Thuringia in modern-day Germany), enjoyed hunting.

Did You Know?

The Weimaraner is a fairly young breed, dating back to the early 19th century in Germany.

The Weimaraner has seen more actual competition of various types in the United States than it did in all it’s decades in Germany.

The Weimaraner has made it’s mark on the white house: Heidi, the Eisenhowers’ Weimaraner lived in the white house with the first family.

1943-The Weimaraner was officially recognized by the AKC.

Often referred to as the “gray ghost” because of the distinctive color of its short, sleek coat, the Weimaraner is a graceful dog with aristocratic features. Bred for speed, good scenting ability, courage and intelligence, he remains an excellent game hunter and active participant in other dog sports.

Lauded for his ability to work with great speed, fearlessness and endurance when on the hunt, the Weimaraner is also known for being an easily trainable, friendly and obedient member of the family. This is a breed that loves children and enjoys being part of his family’s “pack.ʺ A well-trained Weimaraner is a delight to live with, but an untrained one is akin to a canine demolition derby. Puppies should be started in classes at an early age.

Thank you to www.akc.org for the information regard this and other breeds.

Large, powerful and alert, the Akita is a working breed that originated in Japan. Dignified and courageous, the Akita today is popular in the show ring and also participates in performance and therapy work. The breed’s thick double coat can be any color including white, brindle or pinto. An Akita trademark is the plush tail that curls over his back.

DID YOU KNOW?

THERE IS A SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE ATTACHED TO THE AKITA; WHEN A CHILD IS BORN IN JAPAN, THE PROUD FAMILY WILL USUALLY RECEIVE A SMALL STATUE OF AN AKITA SIGNIFYING HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND A LONG LIFE.

THE AKITA IS AGGRESSIVE WITH OTHER DOGS AND IS ESPECIALLY PRONE TO SAME-SEX AGGRESSION.

THE “INU” THAT IS SOMETIMES ADDED TO THE NAME SIMPLY MEANS “DOG.”

THE NATURALLY PROTECTIVE AKITA HAS A PROPENSITY TO BECOME AGGRESSIVE IF ALLOWED, OR IF HE ISN’T RAISED PROPERLY.PROLONGED EYE CONTACT IS CONSIDERED A CHALLENGE BY THE AKITA, AND HE MAY RESPOND AGGRESSIVELY.

HELEN KELLER WAS GIVEN AN AKITA IN 1937 (NAMED KAMIKAZE-BO – KAMI FOR SHORT

THE MOST FAMOUS AKITA OF ALL TIME WAS NAMED HACHIKO, A DOG THAT WAITED AROUND FOR 9 YEARS IN A JAPANESE TRAIN STATION FOR HIS MASTER (WHO HAD DIED UNEXPECTEDLY) TO COME HOME FROM WORK.

Akitas are not known to be an overly hyperactive breed, but they can both climb and dig, so a secure six foot fenced area is needed when confined outdoors. They need to be an integral part of their family’s household, not one that is mainly kept as an “outside dog.” An Akita’s exercise level is medium; therefore they will be happy with a good daily walk or jog. Most Akitas have powerful hunting instincts around other animals and should not run free. These big dogs are playful—downright silly at times—and love to romp. Above all else, they thrive on human companionship. Most will kennel and crate easily if trained as puppies. Proper containment of an Akita should be exercised at all times.

The Shiba Inu, the smallest and oldest of Japan’s dogs, has been with the Japanese people for centuries. After reaching near extinction during World War II, those Shibas remaining were from three different bloodlines. The Animal Den is honored to have Bear & Riley as guests.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE SHIBA INU IS AKC’S 136TH BREED.

THE SHIBA INU IS ONE OF 9 MONUMENT BREEDS TO JAPAN.

THE SHIBA INU IS THE NUMBER-ONE COMPANION DOG IN JAPAN.

SHIBAS ARE CONSIDERED THE OLDEST AND SMALLEST OF JAPAN’S DOGS.

Brought to America from Japan as recently as 60 years ago, Shiba Inus are growing in popularity in the West and are already the most popular breed in their homeland. Their white markings combined with their coloring (red, red sesame, or black and tan) and their alert expression and smooth stride makes them almost foxlike. They’re sturdy, muscular dogs with a bold, confident personality to match.